The Mercury retrograde in the middle of this week presents an opportunity to communicate differently, as the same old channels may not work as well as they once did. This is a chance to notice details, address specifics and take extra precautions to be heard and understood. Consider what your message is, and pare down any superfluous information that might dilute or confuse it. Keep it simple and you'll be effective.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There is a certain acquaintance you see regularly and think of fondly, though the relationship may not be classified as a friendship exactly. Your positive feeling toward this person may never be articulated, but it is felt on a deep level. It's an example of the subtle, warm and healing vibration you put out into the world.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll be in charge of a group, and you're responsible for their collective production. Others feel comfortable around you because you don't fuss over every little thing. You understand that everyone makes mistakes, and you take them in stride. People perform better for you because they're not nervous around you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You know better than to take people literally. When someone says, "It was nothing," they may mean, "I don't want to rudely point out how much work this was, so let's just move on." You catch the cues and address the true meaning that people are expressing this week. Your social genius is unparalleled.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'd like it if someone would be more honest with you. This person is afraid of disappointing you and also of the reaction you might have to the truth. Decide to listen to all information and accept it as neutral. Be open to any news and resolve not to take it personally. Stay objective and you will earn this person's trust.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). In relationships, you want to feel free to speak your mind without worrying whether the other person will get up in arms. Often you don't opt to express your thoughts, but it's important to you to feel that you could if you wanted to. You'll find a brilliant insight into what is worth discussing and what is not.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: You experience an amazing and rare phenomenon. You'll be promoted or be the winner in a competitive environment, and still keep your friendships with those who didn't win. You treat everyone with equal respect and that is part of your success secret. June brings a fun change of pace. You try to capture a heart and wind up on an unexpected adventure. August brings a business rush. There's a chance to make a risky investment in September. A windfall comes in mid-October.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It doesn't seem like you should have to practice talking about yourself. After all, you know better than anyone else who you are and what you've been up to. However, it behooves you to plan your answer to the question, "What do you do?" You'll have many opportunities that depend on putting yourself in the best light.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're on a quest to fill your time with meaningful pursuits these days, and nothing is more meaningful than the right attitude. You see what's around you and maximize it. You create something beautiful out of random bits of life that no one else seems to value. This endeavor will make you truly, completely happy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You were taught that intense focus and trying hard equal success. But you'll actually benefit from being less focused now. Single-mindedness could prevent you from seeing something big. If you're too driven in one direction, you won't recognize the opportunities around you. Relax and have some fun.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Every day millions of meteorites on a collision course with the earth never make it to the ground — they burn up in the outer limits of our protective atmosphere. Your personal atmosphere is similarly protective this week. When you are aware and alert, only the most positive influences will get close to you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You think you prefer that everything be done your way. But it turns out you'll be happier contributing to a group vision and doing whatever it is that needs to be done. So instead of leading, this time step back and observe. The elements come together in a way that's grander than you envisioned.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You stick to your convictions and opinions. When someone opposes you, it only makes you feel more determined to prove them wrong. Note that this week there is no time to waste in argument. Thursday and Friday, the action you take and the results you get will put an end to this difference of opinion.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You could easily come up with a number of excellent excuses for some less than ideal bit of recent behavior. Better still: Accept that you really didn't want to do the thing that other people wanted you to do. You deserve to spend your time in a way that pleases you. Adjust your schedule to accommodate your desires.